10 free sandbags for city residents

With the Bay Area expected to be walloped by wintry weather beginning Sunday and continuing through next week, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Department of Public Works issued a flood risk alert and encouraged San Francisco residents and businesses to prepare.

Buildings in low-lying flood-prone areas and below-grade properties should proactively put out sandbags and report any blocked or clogged storm drains or catch basins. DPW is providing San Franciscans who have proof of residency up to 10 free filled or unfilled sandbags at the DPW Operations Yard, 2323 Cesar Chavez Blvd, Monday-Sunday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.

City crews are also inspecting and cleaning catch basins as a precautionary measure. Additional crews will be on standby through the week to reduce potential emergency response times.

The City urges residents and businesses in flood-prone areas to Citizens are encouraged to call the City’s Customer Service Center 3-1-1 to report clogged storm drains/catch basins, flooding emergencies, and sewer backups. When safe, residents are also encouraged to push aside leaves or trash that may be obstructing the flow of stormwater into storm drains. Additional flooding tips and information can be found at www.sfgov.org/dpw.